With the summer months upon us, people are making vacation plans. For many of us, a traditional vacation is not in the cards.  Between restaurants, hotels, and transportation, travel costs can add up fast especially when those costs are multiplied for a family. Consequently, many people will opt to “staycation” in an effort to save money. (The travel marketing firm MMGY Global defines a staycation as a vacation taken within a 50-mile drive of home due to financial constraints.)

A true staycation is more than just a week at home, though. It is an intentional time of fun and relaxation for your whole family. It takes a little effort to do it right, but can ultimately be just as satisfying as going somewhere far away.

Set some ground rules. The point of a staycation is to make it feel as much like a real family getaway as possible, without leaving the comforts of home. To make sure the whole family is on the same page, start with some ground rules that everyone can agree on.  Start with deciding exactly when your vacation at home starts and ends, and then set a few guidelines for what your family may and may not do during this time.

Plan for fun.Just like a real vacation, the more you plan for fun, the more successful your staycation is likely to be.  Start by setting a realistic budget for your week of fun at home.  Set some money aside for activities, eating out, and perhaps even paying for a splurge or two. Take time to figure out what you will do on your staycation.  If your kids are old enough to have an opinion, hold a family meeting to discuss ideas and get a feel for what everyone wants to do. If you like spontaneity, consider putting everyone’s ideas into a jar, then picking one activity each day.  Or, if your family prefers more structure, use your ideas to develop an itinerary for the week.

Get creative. Chances are there are dozens of fun things to do in your own town that you either never have time for, or don’t even think about because they are so close by.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Visit a nearby national park.
• Visit a nearby amusement park.
• Visit a local children’s museum.
• Visit the zoo or aquarium.
• Check out the local library.
• Camp in your own backyard.
• Visit a nearby tourist spot.
• Go paddle-boarding or canoeing.
• Spend the day at a pool or waterpark, or head to the beach.
• Tackle a family project.
• Host your own film festival.
• Find a local festival.

Relax and Enjoy! For most people—moms especially—the hardest part of trying to “relax” at home is letting go of the all the obligations and distractions that bombard us in our own homes.  The key to having the best staycation ever is your attitude and commitment to making your week a time of fun and relaxation. Let the chores go and give yourself permission to kick back and enjoy.  Laugh and talk and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Homes by DHR builds single family country homes in the Shawnee area, Pottawatomie County, OK.  Contact info@homesbydhr.com or call 405-888-5430.